Due to a vacancy in staff, the district hired Ms. Christina Waters on Nov. 10 as special education teacher to fill Mr. George Miklas’ spot. Waters previously taught at Pittsburgh Public Schools, Sto-Rox and was a long-term substitute teacher at Ambridge and Seneca Valley school districts. Waters started her position at Freedom on Jan. 13.

“I have been a teacher for a long time, so coming here is a big change since I worked a lot in the city districts so far. I am enjoying it and I am expecting the kids will take to me pretty well, so I can help them whenever I can,” Waters said

Her favorite teaching moment would be when she taught the Life Skills class and autistic support for seven years. Her favorite part of being a teacher would be watching the progress of her students as they grow up.

If there was one moment in Waters’ career that best represented that, it would be when she taught a nonverbal student who threw temper tantrums. Over the years, however, he grew out of these tantrums. His parents were so impressed with the progress their son was making with his speech that they sent their daughter to her, who had the same issues as her brother.

Waters also mentioned that she wants to get to know her students on a personal level and to not only be their teacher, but to be someone for them to come to in a time in need.

“If they struggle to connect with the teacher, they might not want to ask for help. I believe that it is important to make these connections so they feel comfortable coming to you if there is an issue,” Waters said.
On the other hand, Waters explained that the hardest teaching moments would be when the students would become physically violent with her.

“I’ve dealt with some rough students. I have taught emotional support and therapeutic support in the past, so I’ve had kids throw desks and chairs, bite and kick and punch. I have had some pretty bad experiences but I like to come in the next day and think that it will be a new day,” Waters said.
The patience of a saint and the kindness to help these kids strive to be what they want to be are some of the many things that make Waters the woman she is.